MAHINDRA is taking one other swing on the SUV section in Australia with the affirmation {that a} new six- and seven-seat mannequin known as the Scorpio-N is due right here someday subsequent 12 months.
It’s going to convey the Indian producer’s native line as much as two automobiles, the opposite being the Pik-Up ute.
The Scorpio-N is a brand new car that has solely a badge in frequent with Mahindra’s earlier SUV entrant right here, the smaller XUV500 that was dropped from the Australian lineup as a consequence of purchaser indifference.
Aimed straight at a few of the hottest SUVs offered in Australia, the Scorpio-N will tackle the likes of Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport, the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and LDV D90.
Mahindra Australia informed GoAuto the Scorpio-N can be priced competitively towards the primary options and can provide beneficiant customary gear together with anticipated security know-how.
Any pricing construction, gauged towards outcomes from different relative newcomers to the section, would dictate sharper pricing than current choices to offer Mahindra one thing of a launch toehold.
The Scorpio-N is a robust-looking car designed with enter from Pininfarina’s Italy design studio. First rate strains meet a difficult and toothy frontal look, though the newcomer has a minimum of misplaced the contrived type of the XUV500 and appears extra mainstream.
Mahindra Australia’s spokesperson informed GoAuto that the car can be supplied in probably two grades – mid- and high-spec – and can most certainly be diesel solely. A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 4 cylinder is accessible elsewhere however is unlikely to make an look right here.
We’ll in all probability see the supply of rear-wheel drive and 4×4 choices, the latter being a selectable part-time set-iup known as the 4 XPLOR four-wheel-drive system with low-range and selectable on-and off-road modes.
A 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 128kW of energy and as much as 400Nm or torque with the six-speed automated transmission, although it develops much less torque when paired with the six-speed guide.
If the petrol arrives, it’s good for 150kW and 380Nm in automated guise.
Manufacturing unit photos equipped don’t adequately convey the Scorpio-N’s measurement because it has roughly comparable dimensions to a Toyota Prado and many of the different higher medium measurement 4x4s.
Mahindra says Scorpio-N has been “engineered as a lot for city use as for off street,” a degree mirrored in its tight turning circle, consolation and leisure options and purported journey qualities.
Though it nonetheless seems rugged, the Scorpio-N has a extra a family-oriented design execution than its predecessor, with shapely (probably LED-equipped) headlamps, a contoured bonnet, plus a chrome-look grille and fog lamp housings, complemented by bumper garnishes, facet mouldings, window trim and roof rails with matching finishes.
The brand new mannequin’s inside seems much more upmarket.
Excessive-spec Scorpio-N variants could have a cabin completed in two-tone color schemes with both leather-based (or a minimum of leather-look) upholstery, whereas metal-look trim options on fascias, transmission-lever and drive-mode consoles and ventilation-outlet surrounds, in addition to on the multifunction steering wheel and door seize handles.
The infotainment system is Mahindra’s “ArdenoX” setup and the model with the biggest touchscreen is more likely to be supplied along with a Sony 3D encompass sound system, in addition to an even bigger driver data show within the instrument cluster it’s not recognized whether or not there can be an all-digital model of the latter.
The car suspension has adaptive coil-over-spring dampers on the entrance and a multi-link strong axle rear finish.
Braking is by way of 4 wheel discs behind metal or alloy wheels of 17-inch or 18-inch diameter depending on specification stage.
One level that would inform towards Scorpio-N is its small 57 litre gas tank, the place rivals have predominantly 70 litres or extra.
Scorpio-N is a physique on body design that bodes properly for heavy responsibility use like towing, a important level in Australia.
Mahindra says Scorpio-N is “anticipated to recreate benchmarks within the SUV section but once more and take ahead the Mahindra legacy of constructing genuine, world-class SUVs with an unmissable design, thrilling efficiency and high-end know-how”.
Whether or not this may cut-through within the hard-nosed Australian market stays to be seen. That stated, the Scorpio-N has already doubled the month-to-month gross sales price of its predecessor in India the place it’s made.
Improvement and engineering work was carried out by groups at Mahindra Analysis Valley (MRV) close to Chennai and Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC) within the USA.
It’s manufactured at a brand new facility at Chakan, Pune, a province of India and in accordance with Mahindra is a world product.
Australia is a precedence marketplace for the Mahindra model as it’s well-established and represented by a strong retail community of 49 retailers throughout six states.
Australian specification and pricing can be introduced nearer to launch.
